Babatunji Wusu –
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Over 754,000 girls aged 9 to 14 in Kaduna have been vaccinated against HPV as part of the campaign, targeting cervical cancer prevention.
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The initiative also addresses malnutrition and involves community engagement with parents, teachers, and religious and traditional leaders to dispel myths and encourage early intervention.
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Deputy Governor Dr. Hadiza Balarabe emphasized the campaign as a collective responsibility to protect and empower Kaduna’s adolescent girls.
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Kaduna’s HPV immunisation program, launched in 2024, has positioned the state as a leader in adolescent health initiatives across northern Nigeria.
Kaduna State has taken a decisive step to safeguard the health of its adolescent girls with the launch of the ‘Girl Effect Oya Campaign.’ Unveiled at the Gusau Institute, this community-driven initiative focuses on combating cervical cancer and malnutrition among girls aged 9 to 14. Over 754,304 girls have already been vaccinated against the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), directly targeting the prevention of cervical cancer.
Represented by the Commissioner for Human Services and Social Development, Deputy Governor Dr. Hadiza Balarabe described the campaign as a call to collective action. She stressed that the effort extends beyond vaccination and nutrition; it reflects a shared duty to protect and empower the next generation.
Supported by the UK-based organisation Girl Effect, the campaign complements Kaduna’s existing adolescent health strategies by actively involving parents, teachers, religious and traditional leaders to challenge misconceptions and promote early healthcare interventions.
Since its launch in 2024, the state’s HPV immunization program has distinguished Kaduna as a regional leader in adolescent health. The government has pledged to expand access to vaccines, improve nutrition, and enhance health services, ensuring a healthier future for girls throughout the state.
Frontline health workers have been commended for their vital role in the campaign’s success, and stakeholders are encouraged to foster grassroots conversations in homes, schools, markets, and places of worship to cultivate a culture of prevention and responsibility. Kaduna’s comprehensive and community-driven approach serves as a model for integrating adolescent health into public health and social development policies.
